- Connect to internet with wifi, while wired to a different LAN through ethernet
- How to Connect a Desktop to Wi-Fi Without an Adapter
- In This Article
- What to Know
- How Do You Connect a Desktop Computer to Wi-Fi?
- How Do I Connect My Old Desktop to Wi-Fi Using Internet Sharing?
- Can a PC Connect to Wi-Fi Without Ethernet?
- How Can You Connect a Desktop PC Without Internal WLAN to a Wireless Network?
- How do I connect wired WIFI to my desktop?
- What is needed for connecting a computer to a wired network?
- How can I share my mobile data with laptop via USB?
- How do I set up a router on my computer?
- Where do I Find my WiFi settings on my computer?
- How do I set up my WiFi repeater?
- How do I set up my Netgear WiFi range extender?
Connect to internet with wifi, while wired to a different LAN through ethernet
So I have a small router I’m connected to through an ethernet cable, and I’m having multiple devices connecting to that router through wifi, so they can view my computer screen. Screen sharing on Windows 7. At the same time I would like to use my wifi adapter to connect to a different router which is connected to the internet. So far I can’t do them simultaneously. -First I just tried simply connecting to the wifi and plugging in the cable, but windows gave preference to the ethernet I presumed because the screen sharing was working but I couldn’t get to the internet. -Second I tried tweaking the preference order of adapters in Advanced settings in the Network/Sharing Center. That didn’t work. -Third I tried manually tweaking the metrics in the advanced properties for each adapter to give connection preference to wifi. This half works. I can start screen sharing and that works, and I can connect to the internet wifi network, but when I try to access it (ex. open google chrome), my screen sharing connection is killed. And this is vice versa if I got to the internet first. Thoughts?
If you have the Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter installed, you should be able to use that to create a separate network connection. I think it is there as a developer tool but, if you have the know how, I think you’ll be able to use it to create an independent network connection. There’s more info at the following link: helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/…
Why would I need to use the virtual adapter when I have an open wifi adapter? Besides, after testing it seems the virtual adapter can’t even connect to a network, I can only create hosted networks with it..
How to Connect a Desktop to Wi-Fi Without an Adapter
Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He’s written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal.
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years’ experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
In This Article
What to Know
- Plug your phone into your PC using a USB cable and set up USB tethering.
- On Android: Settings >Network and Internet >Hotspot & Tethering and toggle on Tethering.
- On iPhone: Settings >Cellular >Personal Hotspot and toggle on Personal Hotspot.
This guide will walk you through connecting your desktop to your local Wi-Fi network without the need for a wireless adapter or dongle.
How Do You Connect a Desktop Computer to Wi-Fi?
Most desktop computers come with a built-in Ethernet port for connecting to your local network and the internet via an Ethernet cable, but not all with Wi-Fi connectivity pre-installed. You can use a Wi-Fi adapter, of course, but you can also connect a desktop to Wi-Fi without an adapter.
The easiest way to do it is using your smartphone’s built-in USB Tethering.
For our screenshots below, we’ll use Android, but we’ll include the steps needed for an iPhone.
- Make sure your PC and smartphone are running the latest versions of their respective operating systems.
On Android, navigate to Network and Internet >Hotspot & Tethering and toggle on USBTethering. On iPhone, navigate to Cellular >Personal Hotspot and toggle on Personal Hotspot.
Your PC should have connected to your local Wi-Fi network via your smartphone. You can confirm its active network connection by selecting the Taskbar Icon arrow in the bottom right of your screen, then select the network icon. It will appear as a rectangular screen—not a Wi-Fi symbol, as the computer is technically connected to Wi-Fi over a wire).
Select the network’s name to open the Network and Sharing Center. There you’ll see your newly connected network as being Connected. If it says No Internet, confirm that your smartphone is on the Wi-Fi network. If it is, but you still don’t have internet, follow router troubleshooting steps to get yourself back online.
How Do I Connect My Old Desktop to Wi-Fi Using Internet Sharing?
If you have an older laptop with an Ethernet connection, there is another method you can use for connecting your desktop PC to Wi-Fi: Internet sharing. You’ll need to connect your laptop to your chosen Wi-Fi connection, then connect it to your desktop PC using an Ethernet cable.
Can a PC Connect to Wi-Fi Without Ethernet?
Ethernet is a wired connection, so if you want to connect to a wireless Wi-Fi network, you don’t need Ethernet at all.
The best way to connect to your Wi-Fi network is by using a Wi-Fi adapter. Some desktop PCs and most laptops have them built-in, but there are add-in ones you can buy. They are relatively affordable and offer the best speeds without being limited by battery life. Alternatively, you can use a smartphone and USB tether it as in the instructions above, but you’ll need the correct USB cable, and you won’t be able to unplug your smartphone if you want to retain that Wi-Fi connection on your PC.
How Can You Connect a Desktop PC Without Internal WLAN to a Wireless Network?
If your desktop PC doesn’t have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, then your best bet is to add one yourself. They are affordable and easy to install and offer the best wireless performance. Alternatively, you can use USB tethering to connect your smartphone to get you on the Wi-Fi network relatively quickly. The only downside is that you must leave your smartphone plugged in to take advantage of it.
To connect a wireless network in Windows 7, go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center. Select Connect to a network, choose your wireless network from the list, and select Connect Automatically > Connect. If prompted, enter the network password.
To access Wi-Fi on your Dell desktop, your computer must have a wireless network adapter built-in, or you’ll need to connect an external Wi-Fi adapter. To connect to your wireless network, go to the Windows taskbar and select the wireless network icon. Next, choose your Wi-Fi network > Connect > enter your network password, and follow any additional prompts.
How do I connect wired WIFI to my desktop?
How do I connect my computer to my modem via an Ethernet cable?
- Connect the Ethernet cable to a yellow LAN port on your modem.
- Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer or laptop.
- Make sure that the Ethernet light is green and flashing next to the port you have used on your modem.
What is needed for connecting a computer to a wired network?
To connect it to your computer, plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet or LAN port on the back of your modem, then plug the other end into the Ethernet port on the back of your computer. Your modem should come with an Ethernet cable, but any old Ethernet cable will do.
How do I connect to a wired WIFI?
Installation is also pretty easy. Just plug the powerline adapter into an outlet near your router and connect it to the router via an Ethernet cable. Then in the other room, plug the powerline adapter into an outlet near the device and connect it to the device with an Ethernet cable.
How do I connect my USB to my computer via WiFi?
Follow these steps to set up Internet tethering:
- Connect the phone to a computer or laptop by using the USB cable.
- Open the Settings app.
- Choose More, and then choose Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.
- Place a check mark by the USB Tethering item.
How can I share my mobile data with laptop via USB?
All you have to do is plug your charging cable into your phone, and the USB side into your laptop or PC. Then, open your phone and head to Settings. Look for the Wireless and Networks section and tap on ‘Tethering & portable hotspot’. You should then see a ‘USB tethering’ option.
How do I set up a router on my computer?
Do this by connecting it to a computer via an ethernet cable. On a Windows PC: Using a network switch or router for the first time should bring up the ‘Set up a network’ wizard – an easy and simple way of getting things set up automatically.
What’s the best way to set up a wireless network?
Choose WPA2 for the most secure network. Choose a password and continue. Most router software will automatically detect your internet settings. This is the information that the router needs to translate your internet connection and transfer it to all of your wirelessly connected devices. Open the router’s configuration page.
Is there a way to add WiFi to my computer?
Don’t worry; there’s no need to run out and purchase a new computer merely to use Wi-Fi. Several options can free your desktop or laptop from its ethernet cable and allow device mobility. By far, the fastest and cheapest way to add Wi-Fi to your PC or laptop is with a USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Where do I Find my WiFi settings on my computer?
Swipe down at the top of the screen to open the notification center. Just above the notification area, you will see a WiFi icon. Long press on it to open WiFi settings. Here, if your WiFi radio is on, you should be able to see nearby networks, including your home network. Tap on your network and enter the password to connect.
How do I set up my WiFi repeater?
Step 1: First, head to the Wireless section and click the Basic tab. Step 2: Set Wireless Mode to Repeater. Step 3: Set Wireless Network Mode to match your router. This might require some research on your part, though Mixed is fairly universal. Step 4: Set the SSID to match your router.
How to find Wi-Fi settings in Windows 10?
To access the Wi-Fi settings in Windows 10, users can click the Start button, then Settings , and then Network & Internet . A menu of options will appear on the left. For PCs that rely on wireless network connections, a Wi-Fi entry will be included on the left list.
How to find your Wi-Fi password on your computer?
Find your Wi-Fi network password in Windows On a Windows PC that’s connected to your Wi-Fi network, do one of the following, depending on which version of Windows is running on your PC: On Windows 10, select In Network and Sharing Center, next to Connections, select your Wi-Fi network name. In Wi-Fi Status, select Wireless Properties.
How do I set up my Netgear WiFi range extender?
Here are the complete steps to set up NETGEAR extender as a WiFi range extender: Move the extender switch to extender. Plug the extender into a wall socket. On a computer, double-click on any browser to open it. Once opened, navigate to mywifiext.net. Enter the password of network and click on Continue button.